MARY’S LITTLE BOY

Mary heard a noise and when she looked up saw her son. He seemed so tall. When did her little boy get to be a man? Funny, she didn’t feel old enough to have a child in his 30s.

“Jesus,” she said. “I did not expect to see you today.”

Looking at his mother, Jesus began to speak. “Mother, I…”

Mary, feeling a sharp pain in her stomach, quickly cut him off. “Are you here to tell me you healed someone?”

Jesus tried to continue, “No, mother, I came to..”

Again Mary spoke, “I know. You walked on water again and Peter tried but failed. ---

“No, mother, I came to…” Jesus tried again.

--- Oh, how I laughed when you told me that story. All I could think about was when you were learning to walk and tried to escape to the courtyard. You must have fallen three or four times, but you were one determined child. You just got back up. Took a step. And fell again.”

Falling silent, Mary rose from her chair. She looked into Jesus’ eyes. Her tear quietly fell to the floor.

Taking his mother into his arms, Jesus said, “Mother, the time is near. Are you ready? Do you understand?”

Feeling the floor shake beneath her, Mary sat down. She dropped her head. Tears now streaming down her cheeks. Her heart about to burst. It was as if ….

As if what? She did not know what to feel? Pride? Dread? Humility? Anger? Confusion? Sadness?

Yes, that was it. Sadness.

“Are there any words I can use to make this easier?” Jesus asked his mother.

Mary simply nodded her head no. She was afraid to look into his eyes again. She knew that if she did that she would beg him to stay. Beg him to wait just a bit longer. He was so young. Wasn’t there more he could do here? Did he really have to do this?

Just then, Mary remembered. She remembered the angel. She remembered the birth. She remembered her son in the temple. She remembered the miracles. She remembered…..

Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And behold, thou shall conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest.

Only then was Mary able to lift her head. Only then was Mary able to stand. Only then was Mary able to take the hand of her son.

Only then was Mary able to tell her son goodbye.

And Mary watched the Son of God turn and walk away.

SCRIPTURE: JOHN 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.